March of Dimes March for Babies fundraising walks will come to 10 Washington state locations this March through May.

Come walk with us and thousands of your friends. Rain or shine your efforts will bring smiles to babies all across Washington.

Everyday in Washington babies are born too soon or too sick. In an average year in Washington9,000 babies are born, 900 babies are born preterm, 5,700 babies are born low birth weight, and 486 babies die before reaching their first birthday.

When you walk, you give hope that every baby in Washington will have a healthy start. Money raised through March for Babies supports programs and research to help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

It’s easy to participate

Here are 5 easy steps to March for Babies.

1.Sign up at marchforbabies.org. Join a team or start your own in honor of a baby you love.

2. Set your dollar goal at $200. Aim high; many walkers raise $200-$300 and some more than $1,000.

3. Invite family, friends, and neighbors to walk with you. You’ll raise more money and share a meaningful experience.

4. Ask for donations. Send out e-mails asking people to support your walk by making an easy and

secure contribution.

5. Lace up your shoes. Join us on March for Babies day. With every step you take, you’re helping babies.

For more information about March for Babies visit marchofdimes.com/washington or marchforbabies.org to sign up as an individual, to start a corporate, family or friends team, or donate to help babies be born healthy.

In Washington, the state March for Babies sponsors are KeyBank and Group Health. National March for Babies sponsors are Kmart; Farmers; Cigna; Famous Footwear; Sanofi Pasteur; FedEx; Mission Pharmacal; Watson Pharmaceuticals; First Response and United Airlines.